Nov. 24, 2009
Previous Meet the Billikens Q&A's
Sal Cruz
Lindsey Tamkun
Brian Brasser
Ariel Hyams
What is your favorite childhood memory? Playing a made-up game called "Black Bear in the Forest" with my sister, brother and the two boys who lived across the street when I lived in Rhode Island.
What person outside the sports world do you admire most, and why? My cousin Jonathon "Blazeman", who after being diagnosed with ALS competed in the Hawaiian Ironman and finished it.
What is the most significant way you have changed since coming to SLU? I have become more domesticated. I do my own laundry and have to cook my own meals ... and I'm a terrible cook.
Do you think you could ever be a coach, and why or why not? I could if it was coaching at the high school or college level but definitely not younger kids.
What is your most cherished material possession, and why? My bed at home. I love to sleep and it's the best bed in the world.
What is the most important thing you've learned from athletic competition? As long as I always try my hardest and give 100 percent, I can't be upset with the result.
What is one thing about you that people would be surprised to discover? I love to read and eat chocolate.
What is your favorite motivational saying or expression? "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them you will be a mile away and you will have their shoes."
What is your best talent other than your sport? Eating lots and lots of food all day long
What has been your most memorable vacation? Anytime my family goes to Hilton Head, S.C. I just love it there!
When someone is visiting your hometown, what is something everyone should see? Well there isn't really anything to see in Loveland, Ohio, so I would have to take them to Greater's Ice Cream where they can get some of the world's best ice cream.
Who is the most famous person you have ever met? Women's tennis players Anna Kournikova and Kim Clijsters
What sporting event do you most want to see in person? The Men's Final at Wimbledon
What famous person are you tired of hearing and reading about? Michael Jackson, I bet I hear about him at least once a day and it drives me crazy!
What is the funniest thing an opposing swimmer has said to you or your team? "Billikens, did I say that right?"
What skill do you wish you possessed? The patience to write a 1,000-page novel
What is the strangest thing you have been asked to autograph? A plastic cup
What is your favorite thing your coach always says? "Are your cheeks cold?"
What has been your favorite road trip so far? The meet at Illinois State last year that included only women's teams. We watched Disney movies the whole way there/
What was your summer job in high school? Lifeguarding
What is the toughest thing about being a college student-athlete? Not really having a lot of free time and being tired a lot.
What is something you have to do before every meet? Eat a ton of pasta and chocolate. My high school coach said chocolate milk was the best sports drink out there. I don't know if it's true or not but it sure does taste good!
What is the most interesting thing you did over the summer? I had the best internship ever with the St. Louis Aces, a professional tennis team. I got to meet a ton of famous tennis players.
What is something you've always wanted to be able to do? Travel to Greece and Poland
Who is the teammate that is most like your coach and why? There isn't really anyone who is similar to Jim. He's kind of in a class of his own.
What do you want to do after you graduate? Move to a place that is warm and sunny all year round and work in professional sports
What is something you just can't get enough of? Chocolate
If you could swim with or against anyone (living or dead), who would it be? Janet Evans
What meet are you most looking forward to this season? Any meet held in Indianapolis, that way I can see my parents. My mom always brings really good food that I take back to school with me.
What is playing on your iPod right now? Taylor Swift and One Republic
